To support the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation, Talladega will donate $24 from every front stretch grandstand ticket sold on Thursday, which has been designated "Jeff Gordon Day."

"This is a very cool gesture by Talladega Superspeedway," Gordon SAID Wednesday during a visit to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt on behalf of Talladega Superspeedway.

Gordon, who has six wins at Talladega, praised track chairman Grant Lynch for the partnership.

"It means a lot to me that Grant Lynch and the track would partner with us on our initiatives for so many young people," Gordon said. "I've had success at Talladega and a lot of great memories on the track there. I appreciate this initiative by Talladega to make a difference off the track."

The donation will be made for every ticket purchased during business hours Thursday in the following grandstands: Gadsden; Lincoln; Anniston and Anniston Tower; O.V. Hill North and South; O.V. Hill Tower, Tri-Oval and Tower Extension; Birmingham and Birmingham Tower; Moss-Thornton and Moss-Thornton Tower; and Talladega and Talladega Tower. The $24 donation is for the May 5 race only.

"Jeff, like us at Talladega Superspeedway, has a passion for kids, and what he has done to help cancer research is remarkable," Lynch said. "Jeff has helped us a lot over the years to promote our exciting races. He's won a lot here, and Thursday is going to be a great opportunity for fans to show their support for an incredible cause, plus get some of the greatest tickets in sports."

During his tour of the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Gordon passed out blank illustrations of Talladega's Grand Marshal Car to the kids, who have the opportunity to design a car that will be used in pre-race ceremonies at a future event.

"We are hoping to get some really colorful designs," added Gordon. "It's great to see the kids be active and having fun, and this allows them to show off their creativity and have a blast at the same time."